Waking Up to God’s Presence

There have been a number of incidents reported in the international press. A few weeks ago a leopard mauled a man on safari in Africa, and, more recently, a cheetah jumped into a jeep, coming up close and personal with a tourist.

Some Christians see their lives in terms of a daily close call with the “roaring lion” to which the devil is compared above. Peter would have been familiar with the Roman practice of throwing rebels and outcasts to lions and to other wild beasts. The lions were starved beforehand and then released into the arena where they would pounce on and tear apart their victims. It was a frightening and is now a legendary scenario. A believer told me once that when he wakes up in the morning, he wonders what the devil is doing and what the devil has in store for him today. Therefore, he explained, there is a need to be vigilant because everyday is a potential close call with Satan.

Is it true? Is Satan like a lion waiting for an opportunity to catch and kill us? It doesn’t take much to speculate and to be concerned about Satan and the influence of evil. Look at the daily news and there is an abundance of evidence of godless activity.

Should a Christian’s main focus be about when the devil may next seek to attack him or her? The answer is “no” because Satan has been vanquished. Jesus, who is with us at all times, has conquered evil. His presence in us chases the presence of evil away. He “guards” us “against the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

Don’t wake up in fear of Satan. Don’t let yourself become preoccupied with the Devil and his works. Rather let our waking thoughts assure us that God is with us, and let our minds and hearts dwell on the grace and on the goodness of God.

Don’t be afraid – Jesus is close at hand.

Prayer
Thank you that we wake up each day to your comforting presence, and thank you that your victorious Son protects us from Satan. In Jesus’ name.
Amen

Study by James Henderson

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About the Author:James Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for Grace Communion International in the UK and Ireland. This week James is speaking in our Great Baddow congregation. You are welcome to attend any of our local congregations. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.gracecom.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.